Water and sanitation for peace, energy and food security: a youth perspective
African youth are at the forefront of solutions to the continent’s water and sanitation crisis – and their voices must shape policy.
Date: 2026-05-21
Time: 15:00 to 16:30
Venue: Online via Zoom
Without urgent action on water security, Africa's prospects for peace, food and energy stability remain at risk. While the continent has made steady progress towards SDG and AU Agenda 2063 targets, overall gains continue to fall short. The 2026 Africa Dialogue Series aims to advance political commitment and practical pathways for water and sanitation across the continent – and young Africans are central to that mission.
This Youth Stage puts emerging leaders, researchers and activists at the forefront of the conversation, recognising that the next generation is not only inheriting the water crisis but actively driving solutions to it.
This event is co-hosted by the UN Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA), the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), African Youth Parliament for Water (AYPW) and Water Youth Network (WYN).
Moderators:
- Danielle Kamtié, Co-founder, AYPW
- Manal Bidar, Vice-President, WYN, Morocco
Setting the stage:
- Juliet Wasswa-Mugambwa, Team Leader, Intergovernmental Support Team, OSAA
Panel discussion:
- Jeremiah Rogito, Specialist in Soil Health and Climate, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa
- Kgaugelo Mkumbeni, Researcher, ISS and Convenor of the Youth Climate Caucus (Peace and Security focus)
- Opeyemi Elujulo, Youth SDG 2 Focal Point, UN Major Group for Children and Youth
- Mpule Kgetsi, Former African Youth Ambassador for Peace (Southern Africa), Founder, Women Lead Africa
